"When spiders unite, they can tie up a lion." This Ethiopian proverb motivates Dennis and Judy's work in Ethiopia. Retired as a telephone drafting manager and a college mathematics professor, Dennis and Judy discovered their new passion: fighting poverty by creating life-changing opportunities for rural Ethiopians. Motivated by a trip to Ethiopia, they established
Project Ethiopia which facilitates their vision of addressing poverty by providing education, improving health through access to clean water, family latrines and concrete floors in their homes and helping create farm-based businesses - creating brighter futures for rural Ethiopians.
Discovering illness and lack of sanitary facilities affected school attendance, Dennis and Judy resolved to eliminate these barriers. Efforts include providing access to clean water, latrines and hygiene education, as well a s uniforms, blackboards, desks, supplies, teaching materials, etc.
To address poverty issues, they look to the villagers for solutions. Practical advice is provided by partners: Awoke (an Ethiopian guide Judy and Dennis met on their first trip to Ethiopia) and Awoke's brother, Workineh, a farmer in Dangla, who through his work in farming organically and storage and use of rain water, has been named Farmer of the Year for three years in a row (2006-2008).
Project Ethiopia villages are close to each other so knowledge, skills and education are easily communicated from one village to another. Hiring and purchasing of materials is done locally when possible. "We give money to NO ONE" is the policy of Project Ehtiopia, as all materials are directly purchased. For example: schools are given wood and paint to construct blackboards rather than giving money for blackboards to school officials.
This innovative project creates motivation, hope, and self-empowerment in the villagers, previously overwhelmed by their circumstances. In Judy's words: "The people are appreciative because so many basic needs have been met. They are amazed someone cares about them."
It is remarkable what has been achieved with relatively little. Potential for future achievement is great since the village "infrastructure for change" is in place. Lives can be improved in Ethiopia.
Thanks to Project Ethiopia, more Ethiopian villagers will have safe water, sanitary homes, education, business opportunities and, most importantly, an optimistic outlook.
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